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Chapter Forty-Six:

As Wolverine ran into the garage he saw Rogue hugging the little girl, he had smelled, with a serene smile on her face. He instantly noticed the similarities between the little girl he assumed was named T.J. and Kurt but put it aside as he took in the rest of the room. Wanda was pressed up against the side of the jeep, sitting with a shocked look on her face.

"Follow my lead, understood?" Rogue whispered as his eyes darted towards the brotherhood as they exited the jeep.

'Not good,' he thought as he took in the maddened look on Lance's face.

"Yes, ma'am," T.J. said quietly as he swiftly placed himself between the brotherhood and Rogue.

Crossing his arms over his chest, he released his claws on his right hand. The warning has the effect he was after, as Toad Blob stopped in their tracks immediately.

Lance, however, undeterred, marched straight up to him, getting in his face.

"We want answers," he demanded, as the garage shook slightly under the boy's powers.

"You're not gonna get any, bub, if you bring down the building," Wolverine pointed out. Lance grunted in anger but the shaking ceased.

He eyed the boy for another moment before he backed off, taking a step back. He retracted his claws as he heard an excited gasp escape the little girl.

"Mr. Howlett," she said bubbly as he felt his eyes widen.

"Who?" Toad asked as he spun around to look at Rogue, who was now standing. T.J. was bouncing enthusiastically in front of her.

"Taila, sweetheart, he goes by Logan now," Rogue explained as she gave him an apologetic shrug, her head cocked slightly.

"Oh, sorry Auntie," she said as the excited expression dropped off the girl's face. "Sorry, Mr. Logan," she said sheepishly, looking up at him.

"It's- ah- it's fine," he said, his eyes meeting Rogue's again; fixing her with an incredulous expression.

He took in the sight of her standing with the little girl from the future, as he attempted to accept what she had told her about herself. 'She said she was older- so many times. I dismissed it- always dismissed it. I just saw a scared kid. Didn't think I was looking at a scared woman in a kid's body,' he thought. Her words rang in his ears, 'You're gonna feel used.'

"I'll understand if you're angry, really," she said.

"I'll get back to ya on that, darlin," he said. He needed more time to digest what she was telling him. "But I- ah- I can't help agreeing with Avalanche. I think you owe us some answers, Rogue," he said.

"And you'll get 'em," she said with a stern nod. "I promise," she added.

"Auntie?" she asked, glancing up. Rogue met the girl's gaze. "Is he still head of security?" she asked.

"Head of what, now?" he asked as he watched a sly smirk form on Rogue's face.

"Kinda," she laughed. "The Red Guard ain't a thing yet, sweetheart. But yeah," she huffed a smile on her face as she placed her hands on T.J.'s shoulders. "If something's going on and you can't find me, your grandpa, or your parents, Logan's the first person you should look for, understood?" she said.

"Yes, ma'am," she said.

"Good," she said as she turned back to look up at him. "It's a long story, that I really should've told ya sooner," she said. "About what I was saying," she said as the smell of brimstone assaulted his senses.

"Got it," Kurt exclaimed as he walked past him and up to Rogue.


Wanda sat against the jeep as she took in the sight of Rogue with her daughter.

"Thanks, Kurt," Rogue smiled as she took an image inducer out of his hand. She took a moment to touch the screen of the watch- changing the settings. "Logan, give me a minute," she said as she crouched in front of T.J. "Okay, Taila, I gonna need a favor. Now, I know ya ain't gonna like this, but it's necessary," she said as she presented the watch to her.

"Do I really have to?" T.J. wined.

"I'm afraid so, princess," she said as T.J., let out a sigh. "Do you remember what I taught you about the competitive environment?" she asked.

"That controlling it is what allows mutants to be free and happy," she recited.

"Very good," she praised before she placed a kiss on T.J's cheek as Rogue slipped the watch onto her wrist. T.J. barely seemed to notice as she let out a giggle. Wanda felt her chest tighten with jealousy at how effortlessly she made her daughter laugh.

"Your Auntie's worked real hard to ensure that mutants are in a good place. There haven't been any deaths due to power manifestations. Freeling Apocalypse wasn't my call. I would've been more than happy to let that tyrant stay underground," Rogue said as she watched Taila shiver in fear.

"Who let me him out? Was it General Kinross again?" she asked.

"Who General Kinross?" Freddy asked.

"One of Apocalypse's horsemen. She's wasn't an issue this time around. I made sure of that," she answered before turning back towards T.J. "No, I'm afraid, it was your grandmothers," she answered with a sigh. As she heard Wolverine let out an annoyed grunt.

"But why would Nana Irene and Nana Raven do that? Don't they know how dangerous Apocalypse is?" T.J. asked.

"Yo, for real," Toad said in agreement as Freddy snorted in agreement.

"Why did mother release him? I've never understood it," Kurt said as he sat down next to Rogue on the floor.

"Irene meant well," Rogue said.

"You never talk about your foster mother," Kurt said.

"It's difficult for me too. I have a lot of conflicting emotions regarding my mothers. All three of them," Rogue said, her eyes going distant as her breaths become shallow.

'What's up with her?' she asked herself.

"Rogue, it's alright if you need a break," Wolverine said. Wanda felt a surge of annoyance.

'No, it's not. I want her to keep talking,' she thought.

Rogue's eyes instantly shot open as her breathing regulated.

"Auntie?"

"Sis, are you alright?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I seem to be," Rogue said before she took a deep breath- her expression surprised.

"Rogue?" Wolverine asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, I can keep talking," she said. "In fact, I think now's the best time," she said, a thoughtful look on her face. Her eyes flashed to Wanda's. "I mentioned Irene to you yesterday. Do you remember what her powers are?" Rogue asked.

"She can see into the future, right?" Wanda asked, startled at that eye contact.

"Correct," Rogue said. "Irene's visions are filled with the worst possible scenarios. All the horrific ways the people she loves could be hurt or worst," she said.

"I wouldn't want that power," Freddy commented.

"Yeah," Lance agreed.

"That sounds terrible," Kurt agreed.

"It is," Rogue said. "It puts Irene in this constant state of defense. All her actions are intended to save lives. But the problem is, her powers ain't detailed enough to actually control the competitive environment. It's all reactionary, no strategy," she explained.

"But when you're reacting you can't plan for the future," T.J, said. "You're only moving from one problem to the next."

"That's exactly right, princess," she praised. "Half the time, she and Mystique are the cause of her visions coming into existence. These warped self-fulfilling prophecies," she said.

"Do they know that?" Kurt asked.

"No, they don't understand that the world would be better off if they didn't act upon their agency within the timeline," she answered.

"Did you tell them that? They listen to you," T.J. said.

"No, sweetheart, they had to listen ta me on Genosha. Cause of my status, it would've been treason for them not to," she said.

'Treason?' Wanda repeated to herself.

"But times are different," Rogue continued. "And I remember what it was like changeling your grandmothers without the might of an entire nation behind me. Handling them requires more subtlety than a direct confrontation allows," she said.

"I think they'd listen to you," T.J. persisted.

"As much as I appreciate the vote of confidence, I've had bullet wounds that say otherwise," Rogue replied. Wanda heard Kurt let out a distressed noise. "Little brother, you are not responsible for Mystique and her actions are not an extension of you. Ya hearing me on this?" she asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Kurt sighed. "You've said this before," he said. "I still don't like it," he said.

"No one expects you to, sugar," she said before Wanda's attention was turned towards the entrance of the garage. She looked up to see her brother had entered the room.

"Hey, dad wants to know what's taking so long," Pietro said as stopped in right of them and took in the room. "Who's the kid?" he asked.

"That's your niece from the future," Rogue answered with a smirk.

"Her name's T.J. Wanger," Wanda said.

Pietro raised an eyebrow before he glanced down to take another look at her daughter with a thoughtful expression. His gaze shifted from her, to Kurt and then to Rogue as a look of realization crossed his face, before it was swiftly replaced with a smirk.

"Cool," he muttered to himself. "Hello, future niece," he said.

"Uncle Pietro," T.J. exclaimed as she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him. He returned the hug as he looked at Rogue as she stood up.

"I guess I know who your definitive source is," he smirked as T.J. went back to sitting next to Kurt.

"Yeah, I guess now you do," Rogue said her hands on her waist before they both chuckled.

'How is he so okay with all of this?' she asked herself as she watched them laugh together.

"So, how's time travel work?" Pietro asked.

"We'll get to it," Rogue deflected.

"Come on, seriously. How much of a tease can you be?" he asked.

"Better than being a brat," she retorted. Rogue and her brother chuckled again. "Truth is, Pietro, I can't openly talk about it until your father remembers," she explained.

"Oh, cause of the amnesia?" Pietro asked.

"Yes, he didn't take the time travel as well as I did," she said.

"Oh no, poor grandpa," T.J. said.

"He'll be fine, sweetheart. His mind's a little fragile but with some care and attention, he'll be okay. Once Rachel gets here, she'll be able to fix his mind in a jiffy," she said.

"Who's Rachel?" Wolverine asked.

"Scott and Jean's daughter," Rogue answered. Wolverine responded with an amused huff.

"She's the best," T.J. exclaimed.

"She is the best," Rogue repeated with a smile.

"Cool. So, when's that happening?" Pietro asked.

"I wish I knew," Rogue sighed. "Unfortunately, time vortexes are unpredictable. I didn't know T.J. was coming today or I would've been waiting for her. Far as I know, she's the first one to come through," she said.

"What about Apocalypse?" Lance asked.

"He'll be back and I'll deal with him then," Rogue said, her tone too nonchalant for Wanda's liking.

"And the camps and the Sentinel Wars? You're going to deal with those too?" Wanda asked.

"The events that led up to those tragedies will not be repeated," she said strongly.

"Yo, how can you be sure?" Toad asked.

"Because we kept records on Genosha of every mutant who died, no matter the cause. We had a memorial that I was put in charge of," she said.

"I helped," T.J. pipped up.

"Yes, and you did a wonderful job, princess," she said winking at her. T.J. let out a giggle at that. "Point is, I know the details of every single mutant death that occurred before we traveled back. Before Apocalypse was released I had prevented over ten thousand deaths just by using Cerebro in the right way. And well, stopping the Ascendancy kept the earth from being depleted of its natural resources and saved billions of lives. I have no intention of allowing the same tragedies I lived through once from happening again. Everything I've done over the past three years has been service of that goal," she said.

"Yeah and who put you in charge of mutants?" Wanda asked. Rogue's eyes shifted to lock with hers.

"The survivors," she answered, her tone dark. Wanda's eyes widened at that as everyone in the room glanced around at each other, taking in the new information.

"Rogue, you're ah- talking a lot," Wolverine said, his voice tinted with confusion.

"Yes, yes, I am," she said closing her eyes for a moment. "And we have Wanda to thank for that," Rogue smiled up at Logan, before everyone turned to look at her.

"What?" she asked alarmed at being put on the spot.

"Hey, Wanda didn't do nothing," Toad said defensively. "Right?" he asked.

"Usually, when I try to talk about my Mothers I get panic attacks. Really severe, debilitating panic attacks," she said.

"Yeah," Wolverine confirmed sadly.

"That's blows," Pietro said.

"You don't know the half of it," she said.

"Rogue," Kurt said concerned.

"It's fine. I hate it, but I'm working on it. I actually thought I was making some progress this week with how much I've mentioned them and maybe I am- who knows," she sighed. "But it's clear to me now, that reason I've managed to keep talking today is cause," she explained as she locked eyes with Wanda again. "You've been in the room with those probability hexes of your working in my favor," she said.

"Nice going, sis," Pietro said.

"What? But I'm not doing anything?" Wanda said.

"No, not on a conscious level," Rogue explained. "But as long as you want me to keep talking, I should be able to. So, yeah, as unexpected as that is and even though your powers are on autopilot, thank you nonetheless," she said with a kind smile.

"Hmm, you're welcome," she said uneasily. Rogue held her gaze for a long moment before she let out a sigh.

"Wanda, it's gonna take time and a lot of work, but if you're willing to put in the effort, I would love nothing more than to help you gain control over your powers," she offered again.

"Why?" she asked.

"What do you mean why?" Pietro asked. "We're family," he said.

"Family?" Wanda asked. She blinked a couple of times before looking over at her daughter and then at Kurt. "Yeah, I guess we are," she said.

"In more ways than one," Rogue smirked. She heard her brother let out another chuckle and Wolverine an irate growl. "Now, if ya'll wanna learn more about the relevant events and individuals from the past that led to the tragedies of the future, I suggest ya'll attend my class. Since Magneto is finally regaining his memories, I can start to share the burden of my knowledge with the rest of you. So, we're all be prepared for what's to come," she said before she turned and started to walk towards the exit.

Wanda watched her brother run up to her and offer his hand.

"Come on, sis," Pietro said. She allowed her brother to help her off of the floor. He smiled at her before they both started walking.


Wolverine watched the brotherhood boys sharing glances with one another. Toad and Blob shrugged at each other before they followed Rogue. Kurt looked down at T.J, before letting out a sigh and putting his arm around her shoulder. She smiled up at him before they both started walking. Lance hesitated for a moment, before he sighed, walking as well.

"Oh," Rogue started to say as she turned around to look at everyone again. "And if none of ya'll could mention any of this to Charles Xavier and by extension Scott, Jean, Hank, or Ororo that would be appreciated."

"Why?" Lance asked as he shared a look with Wolverine.

"Cause Charles is an egotistically prat who gets a whole lot of innocent mutants killed for no good reason," Rogue said dryly. "And I, for one, ain't gonna stand by and allow him to treat mutants like pawns in a damn chess game- not again," she said.

"Rogue," Wolverine protested.

"Logan, I know this might be hard to hear, but remember what Charles did a few short weeks ago? When faced with Apocalypse how did he respond?" she asked.

His hands balled at his sides, knowing which direction she was taking the conversation.

"He flew straight to Apocalypse's location and tried to talk to him. Now, I ain't discounting the value of diplomacy. But there's a time and place for it and that wasn't it. He willingly went into that trap for the sake of his ideals. And what's worse he brought Ororo with him, sacrificing her along with him" she said as he let out a growl. "You knew what was gonna happen," she said.

"Everyone did," Kurt said sadly.

"And everyone tried to talk him out of it. I remember you screaming at him and Ororo for them to see sense. But he wouldn't be deterred," she said.

"It was one time," Wolverine said.

"That's just a microcosm of Charles' ineptitude. He's lost entire teams of young mutants to pointless battles fought on his terms. All of which, I've prevented from reoccurring," she said as he opened his mouth to protest. "But speaking in hypotheticals none of your remember ain't helpful. So, I'll stick to what you know. He wanted to bring me straight to the brotherhood manor ta collect my things. If I hadn't've shut that shit down, someone would've been shot," she said.

"Chuck didn't know that," Wolverine said.

"When I told him who Kurt's mother was, within a fucking day, he told Mystique he knew the truth. Instead of sitting on that information, he forfeited the advantage and gave Mystique every reason to use that knowledge to manipulate Kurt into a trap," she continued.

"Again, he didn't know guns were on the table," Wolverine said.

"But he should have the basic of strategy under his belt if he's going to command a team of mutant," she said. He gave her look of disapproval. "Alright, fine. How about the time he did nothing about the mutant poison being manufactured," she said.

"We saved the Morlocks," he bit back.

"I'm talking about after that, Logan. Spear's was gearing up to put Pow-R8 back in production. Charles went to see him, read his damn mind, knew about his plans, and did nothing in response," she said.

"What was he supposed to do?" he yelled.

"Something. He should have done something. Instead, I had to clean up the mess," she bit back.

"What did you do?" Lance asked.

"I asked Warren for a favor. Worthington Industries is purchasing the patent for an obscene amount of money. Enough to make Guy Spear accept the offer and never look back," she answered.

"Yo, that's good news," Toad said.

"Yeah, thanks, Rogue," Freddy said.

"Course," she said with a nod before her eyes locked with his again. "You need more, Logan?" she asked. "'Cause, I've got plenty of examples of his incompetence," she said as he let out another growl. "Don't even get me started on how he's handled Jean's training and what he's done to her perception of her powers," she said.

"I heard," he said dryly.

"Not what I couldn't say to his face," she said as she took a step towards him. "Logan, I watched Jean die because his fucking ego couldn't handle that he ain't the most powerful telepath on the planet," she said as he felt his eyes widen. "Jean didn't get a chance to know her daughter, who I raised, because he got her and Scott killed. I'm sorry, Logan, I really am, but Charles is not the leader Mutants needs. Magneto is. But until, my husband, remembers the experiences that shaped him into the leader we need, ya'll are gonna have ta settle for me," she said.

'Husband?' he repeated to himself. 'So, that's why she never minded the stalking… Shit,' he thought.

"Auntie," T.J. cried out as she broke away from Kurt. "Don't talk about yourself like that," she said as she ran up to her and hugged her around the waist. "You're a great leader. You're the heart of Genosha," she disputed looking up at her aunt. Rogue let out a happy sigh before leaning down and kissing her forehead as she rubbed her shoulders.

"And your grandfather is the shield. One is arguably, more important than the other when survival is on the line," she said before looking back up to him. "Which is what this is about, Logan, survival," she finished.

"If no one knows about the dangers you've lived through, how can we prevent them?" he asked.

"I've done the best I can by myself and as much as I'd like to get everyone on the same page, I can't. Not until Magneto has all of his memories back," she said.

"Why's that so important?" Pietro asked.

"Because Magneto is the only one Charles ever listens to. The only one he treats as an equal. He views the rest of us as his subordinates," she answered. "Always has," she added.

"Well, we're kids," Kurt said. "I get why he-"

"Scott and Jean haven't been allowed to grow beyond being his students," she interrupted. "They're instructors, sure, but not considered full adults. Hank is a grown-ass man and still calls Charles by his title," she said. "Logan, you know what I'm talking about, I know you do," she said strongly. "The way he puts himself above everyone else. Like we all live to serve him and his dream," she added. He let out a low growl, but couldn't protest her claim.

"Yeah, I get it," he relented.

"So, we're all in agreement? To keep this quiet?" she asked. He thought about it for a moment.

"For now," Logan said.

"Logan, I promise you, from this moment on, no more holding back or half-truths. You ask me a question and I will answer it," she said.

"Yeah, alright," he said. 'I can live with that,' he thought.


Wanda watched the rest of the brotherhood as they took in Rogue's request.

"I want to do what's right for T.J. So, yeah, I won't say anything," she said.

"I don't have a problem keeping Summers in the dark, but not Kitty," Lance said.

"She wasn't on the list, Lance. I'll tell her myself tonight, you have my word," Rogue said.

"I'm holding you to that," he said. She gave him a nod.

"We can keep a secret, can't we?" Freddy asked.

"No doubt," Toad said.

"The brotherhood's with you, Rogue, all the way," Pietro added.

"Thank you," she said with a smile.

"Oh my god, Amanda," Kurt exclaimed. "What do I do? I can't not tell her, I'm a father now," he said, suddenly panicked.

"Kurt, take a breath," she said. "Everything's gonna be okay, little brother. You can tell Amanda what's going on. Just not in front of the others, okay?" she said.

"Okay, okay," he said, his breathing heavy.

"Who's Amanda?" T.J. asked as Wanda felt a twitch of guilt.

'They seem to have a good relationship, I don't want to get in the middle of it,' she thought, distressed. "Hmm- well, she's," she started to say.

"She's my girlfriend," Kurt answered.

"Oh, you two aren't together?" T.J. asked looking up at both of them with her big yellow eyes, filled with hope and disappointment. "What's going to happen to me?" she asked.

"Oh, Taila, time travel doesn't work like that. You exist and nothing is gonna change that," Rogue said.

"Oh, okay," T.J. said, relaxing at once. "I was worried for a second," she laughed.

"There's no need," Rogue said. "You're fine, sweetheart," she said.

Wanda took a deep breath, looking at Kurt before giving him a shrug. He gave her an uneasy smile before they started walking again.

As they exited the garage, a thought occurred to her.

"Wait, did- did Rogue say my father was her husband?" Wanda asked. Kurt glanced over at her with wide eyes.

"I-I think she did," Kurt said, shocked.

"Yeah, obviously. Come on, guys, keep up. You're embarrassing me," Pietro quipped.

"Embarrassing you?" Wanda exclaimed. "How are you so calm about all of this?"

"We live crazy lives," he shrugged. "Why gets worked up over it?" he asked.

"Maybe when your daughter comes through a time vortex, you'll get worked up," Kurt retorted.

"Oh, his have his turn dealing with that," Rogue smirked.

"Wait, what?" Pietro said the amused expression on his face dropping. "What are you talking about?" he asked as he ran next to Rogue.

"You'll see," Rogue teased. Wanda watched her brother ran up to her.

"I don't know," Wanda said before he could ask. "T.J. didn't explain that," she said.

"Hey, kid," he said, running up to T.J. "What's she talking about? Help your favorite uncle out," he asked.

"Taila tell him nothing. It'll be way funny once she gets here," Rogue ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," T.J. giggled.

"She? She who?" he asked.

"Sorry, Uncle Pietro, Auntie Anna-Marie has spoken," T.J. said.

"Oh come on," he exclaimed. Wanda shared a glance with Kurt before both of them let out a laugh. "Someone tell me. This is not cool, guys," he said.

"Suck it up, Pietro," Lance said as Toad and Freddy laughed.

"Seriously," he exclaimed.

"Image inducer on, princess," Rogue ordered, ignoring her brother.

"Yes, ma'am," she said before following the command. Wanda watched as T.J's skin turned from blue to white and her hair completely changed to black.

"Wow," Kurt muttered. "She looks-"

"Exactly, like me," Wanda finished astonished.

"Yeah, you take away Kurt's coloring and it's obvious she's your daughter," Rogue commented.

'Yeah, it is,' she thought as she looked down at her daughter with warmth. She held out her hand. T.J.'s face lite up before she ran up to her, taking it.

Hand-in-hand, she walked with her daughter, following after Rogue.

'Everything's going to be okay,' she thought, repeating Rogue's words. 'Everything's going to be okay.'


Okay- chapter complete! I hope you all liked it, please let me know your thoughts!

Kirogue: Thank you! I'm so happy you're enjoying it! It's taking longer for the chapters to come out, but I'm having too much fun writing to stop the fic. :)

Little Red Dove: Yay! I missed hearing your thoughts! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tease about Lorna. More to come. Like I told you, I have the flashback scenes written, I just need to get up to the point where Magneto will remember them, lol. And so many conversations, the days are getting longer. I don't mean for so little time to actually pass in the fic, but each of these conversations are important. I hope everyone is enjoying them! I love the dynamic between Pietro and Rogue. It is one of my favorite things to write. :)

I know, right! The flash at the end of Wolverine and the X-Men gave me such hope but then I googled that the show was canceled and it was X-Men Legacy 274 all over again :( Oh well, when you don't have enough content with your OTP, you just have to write it yourself, lol.

I love TJ! I loved her Exiles, I loved her in Uncanny X-Men when they let her bond with Kurt. It was amazing. I don't think the comics ever had T.J. meet her mother in 616. (Not even during House of M, where it would have made sense cause she was literally making kids seeking out motherhood!) Wanda was too busy either destroying the mutant race or having her backstory reconned twenty-thousand times. Anyway, I chose to ignore the Fox/Marvel license war bullshit and just say Wanda and Pietro are his kids. And it's fun exploring the dynamic between Wanda and T.J. Like, I said, I've never seen it done before. (If I've missed anything from the comics, feel free to correct me). More TJ to come in the future! Thanks again for reviewing!

Always Twightlight 7: Thank you! Yes, I have plans for flashback scenes of their wedding and the birth of their child. More details on Rogneto babies to come! Thank you, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter too!

AbraxasDane: Thank you! I'm so glad! I'm always a little worried that I have too much exposition but reviews like yours set my mind at ease, and let me know I'm on the right track! Thank you! I hope you liked this chapter too!